St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-11-06
WINTER SPORTS.
An Encouraging Report From the
Park Commissioners Amuse-
ment Committee.


The park commission yesterday after
noon transacted its business in q bust
ness-like way. The disputed excess on
the Bland contract at Lake Calhoun was
brought up and referred TOD. L. Byrnes,
the boards attorney, and Messrs. VIII
son and Lawrence as attorneys. Pay
rolls amounting to S4.137.6i and other
claims were allowed, and an advance of
$500 for the Prospect park observatory
ordered. A preliminary survey fer the
Minnehaha creek boulevard was Or
dered. The committee on designation
of grounds about Powder Horn park, Of
fered for boulevard, reported the mat
ter referred to a subcommittee. In re-
gard to the Moulton ten-acre tract in
the Ninth ward the same committee re-
ported that the premises were well
adapted for park purposes, but that the
price asked was eXOrbitant. The most
important business before the board
was the consideration of the following
report of the committee on amusementS.
Owing to the absence of Mayor AmeS,
who is the leading advocate of winter
carnival at the lakes, no action was
taken:
TO the Board Of Park Commissioners: GEN
tlemen-Your special committee appointed
to consider and report a plan for utilizing
the parks and Pathways, or portion thereof
during the coming winter in the interest of
the general public respectfully report that
they have considered the same. keeping in
view the condition of the park board finances
and consequent necessity for economy If
the board had sufficient available funds we
might report more elaborate scheme, but in
the absence thereof, recommend:
FirSt-That a race track be laid out on
Lake Calhoun for the use of all who may de-
sire to speed horses thereon, the snow being
tta vi .raf
fence for the safety of those without.
Second-That double tracks for spectators
and slowgoing vehicles be laid out on the
outside of the race track, the double tracks
being 10 enable parties to go IN either diree-
ton without directly meeting one another.
Third-That space be set aside and kept
in order OH Lake Calhoun for q large skating
park-c0ntiguous 10 bat not interfering with
the tracks mentioned.
Fourth-That parallel toboggnn slide be
in like manner provided for, with platforms
at either end, so arranged as TO necesSitate
proper exercise, but avoid unnecessary walk,
ing.
Fifth-That cheap structure be provided
as waiting room, more especially for the
ladies.
Sixth-That a skating park be also provided
at Central park, and at other parks if found
advisable.
Seventh-That curling grounds be laid out
for those desiring to engage i'll this pleasant
sport, at such place as may be most conven-
lent.
Eighth - That if practicable coasting
grounds be also provided for the Juvenile ell
ement.
Ninth-That your committee be empoS-
cred to make all necessary arrangements for
the carrying out of the programme above
outlined. including the power 10 sell refresh
menti and other privileges toward creating
fun to pay expenses; also 10 receive aid
from any and ali parties willing TO assist in
the matter.
Teuth-That the committee on police be re
quested to cooperate with your committee
the chief of park police such park policemen
as can be profitably employed, without
neglecting other parks and paFkways.
eTal wards be requested 20 keep al least one
city ana the several parks, to be utilized as
above. constantly III good condition.
In submitting this report we are pleased
to state that we have already been assured of
hearty cooperation on the part of the Driv-
ing Park association, street railway company,
etc.. and have no doubt but that one win
ters trial will demonstrate the wisdom of so
utilizing our parks. To the end, however
that we may no: be dependent on any set of
men ii should be understood that the coin
mit,ees have full power to act and may make
such change of location or otherwise. not
Inconsistent with the above general plan, as
may be deemed advisable. or 10 abandon the
whole or any part thereof. Respectfully,
A. A. ANEs.
4. J. BoARDMAN,
w. II. MITCHELL.